JP2017525479A - Absorbent article with figure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to absorbent articles comprising sanitary articles such as tampons and sanitary napkins for absorbing menstrual blood. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sanitary product that includes one or more graphical elements, which enhance the functional area of the absorbent article.

Description

  The present application relates to an absorbent article including a sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin for absorbing menstrual blood. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sanitary product that includes one or more graphic images, wherein the graphic images clarify the functional area of the absorbent article.

  Disposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, diapers, adult incontinence and sanitary pads are manufactured at high speed. However, today's modern high-speed production lines have inherent variations in web cross-direction (CD) tracking and web combinations. If the consumer notices, this CD variation can affect product quality assessment. For example, a consumer may believe that the product will not function properly if he notices that the absorbent core is not centered between the vane components of the article.

  In addition, consumers prefer color. Color is often added to the product layer in the form of graphics or graphical elements. Printing the graphical element on the top layer of the article can convey an indication of the barrier or highlight the functional area of the product. However, printed product graphic elements, such as barrier indicia that highlight the functional area of the consumer's preferred product, may cause the consumer to have a defect in the product when the product is still within quality standards to function properly. It can actually emphasize the identification of CD variation found in today's products. To address this problem, current products abandon valid barrier indicia graphics, or spend large amounts of money to slow down the line to reduce CD variability, or purchase dedicated equipment You are forced to do that. These costs can be prohibitively expensive.

  For example, current products are printed far away from the periphery of the core, so that identification of the core placement is more tolerant of large CD variations. Further, the graphical elements are placed throughout the backsheet prior to the placement of the core so that there is no need to worry about CD variation. Finally, the graphical elements are placed in an asymmetric fashion in the area outside the core periphery to avoid dealing with CD variations.

  Accordingly, what is needed is a specific printed graphic orientation on the topsheet of an article that allows consumer acceptable indicia and can be created in a high speed manufacturing process.

  The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet bonded to the top sheet, and an absorbent core including a peripheral portion disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The topsheet is an inner surface that is directed toward the inside of the absorbent article or the side facing the garment, and an outer surface that is directed toward the side of the wearer's skin or body when the absorbent article is worn Have The backsheet has an inner surface that is directed toward the inside of the absorbent article and an outer surface that is directed toward the wearer's clothing when the absorbent article is worn. The absorbent core has an inner surface that is directed toward the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn and an outer surface that is directed toward the wearer's clothing when the absorbent article is worn. The topsheet includes four or more graphical elements. The graphic elements overlap the absorbent core periphery so that the core periphery exhibits an ink to clean ratio of 5% to 60%.

  The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a back sheet bonded to the top sheet, and an absorbent core having a peripheral portion disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The topsheet is an inner surface that is directed toward the inside of the absorbent article or the side facing the garment, and an outer surface that is directed toward the side of the wearer's skin or body when the absorbent article is worn Have The backsheet has an inner surface that is directed toward the inside of the absorbent article and an outer surface that is directed toward the wearer's clothing when the absorbent article is worn. The absorbent core has an inner surface that is directed toward the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn and an outer surface that is directed toward the wearer's clothing when the absorbent article is worn. The indicia of the functional layer is generally centered on the layer below the topsheet. The topsheet includes four or more graphical elements. The graphic elements overlap the absorbent core periphery so that the core periphery exhibits an ink to clean ratio of 5% to 60%.

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention, it is believed the present invention will be more readily understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a plan view of an exemplary sanitary product. FIG. It is arrangement | positioning of the figure of the above-mentioned product. It is arrangement | positioning of the figure of the above-mentioned product. It is arrangement | positioning of the figure of the above-mentioned product. It is arrangement | positioning of the figure of the above-mentioned product. Fig. 3 represents the arrangement of product graphics within the scope of the present invention. Fig. 3 represents the arrangement of product graphics within the scope of the present invention. Fig. 3 represents the arrangement of product graphics within the scope of the present invention. Fig. 3 represents the arrangement of product graphics within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is directed to absorbent articles, particularly disposable absorbent articles having printed product graphics and one or more graphics visible from the body-facing side of the topsheet. The product graphic layout emphasizes the functional area of the article and enables high speed manufacturing. The disposable absorbent article may be a feminine hygiene article including incontinence articles and sanitary articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, interlabial products and the like. For convenience, the present invention is disclosed below with respect to sanitary product embodiments such as sanitary napkins or panty liners.

  As used herein, “visible ink vs. clean area percentage” relates to the percentage of the absorbent core periphery where the graphic overlaps. Visible ink to clean area percentage measures the absorbent core periphery, measures the portion of any graphic element that overlaps the absorbent core periphery along the absorbent core periphery, and overlaps the graphic element It can be calculated by summing the total length of the absorbent core periphery and dividing the total of the absorbent core periphery where the graphic elements overlap by the entire absorbent core periphery.

  As used herein, “functional layer indicia” refers to any identifier that draws attention to the functional absorbent portion of the absorbent article. Indicia of the functional layer may be structural identification, for example, apertures in the form of slots or dots in or around the functional layer, graphical elements on or around the display portion of the functional layer, or the functional layer of an absorbent article. It may be a combination of structural and graphical elements that direct the user to

  As used herein, “printed graphic orientation” refers to a set of graphical elements within a given area. However, as described above, the graphical elements need not be printed on the same surface in this region.

  As used herein, “product graphic arrangement” relates to a combination of graphic elements visible from the body-side surface of the absorbent article. The product graphic arrangement may have more than three graphic elements. The product geometry can be an indication of a functional layer.

  Regardless of the particular configuration of the layers used in forming the absorbent article, the plurality of graphical elements are printed in the product graphic arrangement so that they are visible from the body-facing surface. The particular graphical element is selected to allow high speed manufacturing of the absorbent article and provide the consumer with a unique appearance that highlights the functional area. High speed manufacturing is performed by placing one layer of material on top of another layer until the article is complete. Each material layer must be placed within the calculated tolerance. Otherwise, the manufacturing system can consider the product unacceptable. Although the product may be acceptable for manufacturing guideline reasons, it is possible to have a sanitary napkin where the absorbent core is shifted in the CD direction along the transverse axis. By placing the graphic elements in a unique printed graphic orientation, the sanitary napkin enables high speed manufacturing and can have consumer acceptable graphic elements that highlight functional areas Found.

  FIG. 1 shows a sanitary napkin 10 having, for example, a body contacting surface 12 that includes the outer surface of the topsheet 14, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 16 that joins the topsheet 14, and an absorbent core 18. The sanitary napkin 10 has a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis T. The longitudinal axis and the transverse axis meet at the center point of the sanitary napkin. The longitudinal and transverse axes divide the sanitary napkin into four sections 101, 102, 103, 104. The absorbent core has a periphery. The absorbent core peripheral portion of the absorbent core 20 can be divided into octets. The octant is calculated by measuring the length of the absorbent core periphery and dividing the total length by 8. As shown in FIG. 2, each octet includes equal lengths 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 and 208 of the absorbent core periphery. Each quadrant includes a portion of the absorbent core including the absorbent core periphery.

  The graphical elements 26 can be printed on the body facing surface or the clothing facing surface of the topsheet so that they are easily visible. Additional graphical elements 26 can be printed on any layer of the absorbent article 10. Additional graphical elements 26 may be on the body facing side of the backsheet 16, on the body facing side of the second topsheet (not shown), on the body facing side of the absorbent core 18, or It can be printed on a part of the body-facing side of the absorbent core 18.

  Graphical elements can have different sizes, colors, shapes and designs. A graphical element can be balanced to the extent that multiple smaller graphical elements on one side can “balance” with a larger graphical element on the other side, or smaller objects are larger objects It can be arranged further away from the center. Alternatively, darker objects can be balanced in the same way as some brighter objects. It should also be noted that although graphical elements 28 and 34 are shown herein as having a relatively simple shape, this is merely for illustrative purposes. Dot, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, flower, butterfly, star, heart, spiral, double helix, clothoid curve, Cornu spiral, polynomial double helix, Euler double helix, parameter double helix, etc. Any shape or design can be used. In fact, it is generally preferred that the graphical elements become substantially more complex and that they have some degree of curvature and color to provide more complex vision and help the overall masking effect of the article. . For example, FIGS. 4-7 generally illustrate more complex graphical elements that may be used in the present invention.

  In some cases, the graphical elements can also be arranged to give a visual illusion when viewed from a particular focus of the user. For example, the arrangement of interrelated graphical elements can form a visual illusion of perceivable movement as at least one of the objects that appear to move away from the edge of the body. Exemplary objects for providing such illusion patterns are geometric, spiral, anomalous motion, rotation, color change, marginal drift, positive blurring, twinkle lattice, stereo and color stereo, contraction And, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0157021 to Sullivan et al. And 2005/0268371 to Meekins, which are disclosed for all purposes, such as dilation, contrast reciprocity, convection, color assimilation, etc. Is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In many embodiments, different shades of graphical elements can be used by the user looking on the visible surface of the topsheet to create a depth perception in the absorbent article. Such illusion patterns are described in US Patent Publication No. 2003/0114811 to Christen et al., Which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

  The orientation of the printed graphic allows flexibility during high speed manufacturing and highlights the absorbent core or functional area of the article. 5% to 60% along the core periphery by balancing the position of the graphic elements, placing size restrictions on the graphic elements, and placing the graphic elements along the absorbent core periphery. The inventors have found that having a visible ink to clean area percentage of% can achieve product orientation that is acceptable to consumers and allows for high speed manufacturing.

  In many embodiments, the functional region can have additional functional markings within the periphery of the absorbent core. The additional function indicator may be one or more additional graphical elements, apertures, perforations, slots or points in the core. Additional functional markings can be located under the topsheet, in or on the absorbent core, or any other layer visible from the body-facing surface of the topsheet.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, the invention allows for high speed manufacturing and emphasizes the functional area of the absorbent article, while the graphic elements can be arranged to meet consumer acceptability. Found. Without being bound by theory, the inventor has found that the goal is achieved by following the recommended criteria for the overall product geometry.

  2 and 3A to 3C show a graphic arrangement of products on the absorbent article 10. FIG. The absorbent article 10 has a topsheet 14, a backsheet 16, a body facing surface 12, and an absorbent core 18. The product graphic arrangement consists of four or more graphical elements 26. The absorbent article 10 is divided into quadrants 101, 102, 103, 104 by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The absorbent core peripheral portion 20 is divided into octants 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 and 208. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, the functional region contains additional functional layer indicia in the form of slots 30 and dots 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, adjacent graphical elements 26 do not touch or overlap. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, two adjacent graphical elements within a quadrant do not share a longitudinal centerline parallel to the longitudinal axis. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, at least one graphic is located in each quadrant. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C, at least one graphic is located in each octet.

  In many embodiments, graphical elements along the absorbent core perimeter cannot be located along the same line. For example, the graphical element must not form a straight line. The graphical element must not contact or be created with the continuous frame around the perimeter of the absorbent core.

  In many embodiments, the graphic elements are spaced apart such that there is between 1 mm and 30 mm, for example 2 mm to 15 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, such as 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 9 mm between each graphic. ing. The distance between the graphical elements can vary. For example, the distance between the first graphical element and the third graphical element can be 2.2 mm, while the distance between the first graphical element and the second graphical element is 3 mm. obtain.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent core 18 can be divided into quadrants 101, 102, 103 and 104.

  The graphical element 26 can be balanced by placing the graphical element 26 around the periphery 20 of the absorbent core 18 so that the percentage of ink area along the absorbent core periphery is 5 Between% and 60%, between 10% and 50%, such as 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%. As shown in FIG. 2, the visible ink to clean area percentage at the periphery is about 60%. Graphical elements 26 can be placed in each quadrant, provided they are within the required size limits of less than 12 cm wide along the CD direction. In many embodiments, the graphical elements vary in size. Graphical elements along the core periphery must be between 0.1 cm and 12 cm wide. This range provides an acceptable range for core placement in the CD direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the absorbent article 10 has a plurality of graphic elements 26. The graphical element 26 can be balanced by placing the graphical element 26 around the periphery 20 of the absorbent core 18 so that the visible ink to clean area percentage at the periphery is between 5% and 60%. %, Between 10% and 50%, such as 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the graphic arrangement of the product can be moved between 0-6 cm from the longitudinal centerline while highlighting the absorbent core 18 of the absorbent article 10. As shown in FIG. 3A, the product graphic arrangement can be centered with respect to the longitudinal and transverse axes. As shown in FIG. 3B, the product graphic arrangement moves in both the CD and MD directions. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3C, the product graphic arrangement moves in both the CD and MD directions. Graphical elements 26 can be placed in each octet, provided they are within the required size limits of 0.1 cm to 12 cm in width. In many embodiments, the graphical elements vary in size. Each octet need not contain the graphic 26 to highlight the absorbent core 18. The graphic 26 overlaps the octant section.

  The sanitary napkin may facilitate fluid transport to the “wings” or “flaps” and / or the second topsheet and / or fluid acquisition layer and / or the absorbent core 18 as known in the art. It may be provided with additional features commonly found in napkins, such as other layers designed to. Similarly, the sanitary napkin topsheet 14 may have any of a variety of features known in the art. For example, the topsheet 14 has one or more embossed channels that direct fluid flow therein, openings that serve to acquire fluid therethrough, and printed indicia that are visible on or through it. The visible indicia are printed on the topsheet or its lower layers for functional and aesthetic properties.

  Top sheets are woven and non-woven materials; polymer materials such as perforated molded thermoplastic films, perforated plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films; As well as a wide range of materials such as thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and non-woven materials are natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polymer fibers such as polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers May be included. In many embodiments, the topsheet can be made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquid that has passed through the topsheet. If the topsheet is made from a hydrophobic material, at least the top surface of the topsheet is treated to make it hydrophilic so that the liquid penetrates the topsheet more quickly. Thereby, the possibility that the excrement is drawn into the top sheet and is not absorbed by the absorbent core is reduced. In many embodiments, the topsheet can be treated with a surfactant to impart hydrophilicity. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with a surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant.

  The topsheet can include a perforated molded film. Perforated molded films are permeable to excreta, and are also non-absorbable, and can be used in topsheets because they have less tendency to reverse liquids and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the molded film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing the body's soiling and creating a more comfortable feel to the wearer. A suitable molded film is US Pat. No. 3,929,135 issued Dec. 30, 1975 to Thompson, entitled “Abstractive Structures Having Tapered Capillaries”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324 issued to Mullane et al. , 246, name “Disposable Absorptive Articulating A Stain Resistant Topsheet”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al., August 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463, issued July 31, 1984 to No. 045, name “Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tissue Impression”, Patent No. 9, Mir. Film ".

  The absorbent core can be any absorbent member that is generally compressible, flexible, does not irritate the wearer's skin, and can absorb and retain body fluids. Absorbent cores may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, “T” shaped, asymmetrical, etc.) and disposable pull-on, such as ground wood pulp commonly referred to as air felt It can be made from a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in clothing and other absorbent articles. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include: crimped cellulosic mass; meltblown polymer including coform; chemically reinforced, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; A foam, absorbent sponge, superabsorbent polymer, absorbent gelling material, or any equivalent absorbent material, or combination of materials.

  The configuration and structure of the absorbent core can vary (e.g., the absorbent core has various caliper zones, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or lower average density and lower average basis weight gain areas. Or may include one or more layers or structures). Furthermore, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core can also be varied to accommodate wearers ranging from infants to adults. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core must be compatible with the design load and the intended use of the absorbent article.

  The absorbent core can contain other optional ingredients. One such optional component is a core wrap, ie, a material that partially or completely surrounds the core, usually a nonwoven material, but not necessarily. Suitable core wrap materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose, hydrophilic modified nonwoven materials, perforated films, and combinations thereof.

  The backsheet can include a liquid impermeable film. The backsheet may be impermeable to liquids (eg body fluids) and can usually be manufactured from a thin plastic film. However, the backsheet is usually capable of escaping vapor from the disposable article. In many embodiments, a polyethylene microporous membrane can be used for the backsheet. Suitable polyethylene microporous membranes are manufactured by Mitsui Totsu Chemicals, Inc. of Nagoya, Japan and are marketed under the trade name PG-P.

A suitable material for the backsheet is a liquid impermeable thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), including, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. Usually the backsheet can have a basis weight of from about 5 g / m ² to about 35 g / m ² . However, it should be noted that other flexible liquid impervious materials may be used as the backsheet. “Flexible” herein refers to a material that is compatible and easily adapts to the shape and contours of the wearer's entire body.

  The backsheet is usually disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the absorbent core and can be joined to the outer surface of the absorbent core by any suitable attachment means known in the art. For example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, an adhesive pattern layer, or an array of individual lines, spirals or dots of adhesive. Exemplary adhesives include H.I. B. An adhesive manufactured by Fuller Company (St. Paul, Minn., USA) and marketed as HL-1358J can be mentioned, but is not limited thereto. An example of a suitable attachment means comprising an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive is described in US Pat. No. 4,573,986, issued to Minetola et al. On March 4, 1986, entitled “Disposable Waste-Continent Garment”. Disclosed. Another suitable attachment means comprising multiple lines of adhesive filaments wound in a spiral pattern is described by Sprague, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued Oct. 7, 1975 to U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued Nov. 22, 1978 to Ziecker et al. And U.S. Pat. No. 27 June 1989 to Werenicz et al. This is described by the apparatus and method shown in US Pat. No. 4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachment means may include thermal coupling, pressure coupling, ultrasonic coupling, dynamic mechanical coupling, or any other suitable attachment device, or a combination of these attachment devices.

  The backsheet may further be secured to the topsheet by any of the optional attachment means described above.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

  The values disclosed herein as the endpoints of a range should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise stated, each numerical range is intended to mean both the recited value and any integer within the range. For example, a range disclosed as “1-10” is intended to mean “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.”

  All documents cited in the detailed description are hereby incorporated by reference in the relevant part. Citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document takes precedence. It shall be.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications included within the scope of this invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

An absorbent article,
A liquid permeable topsheet having an inner surface directed toward the inside of the absorbent article and an outer surface directed toward a wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn; Top sheet,
A backsheet joined to the topsheet, an inner surface directed toward the inside of the absorbent article and an outer surface disposed toward the wearer's clothing when the absorbent article is worn A backsheet having
An absorbent core having a peripheral portion disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the inner surface being directed toward a wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn; and the absorption An absorbent core having an outer surface disposed toward the wearer's clothing when the article is worn,
The topsheet includes four or more graphical elements;
An absorbent article, wherein the graphical element overlaps the periphery of the absorbent core such that the periphery of the core exhibits an ink to clean ratio of 5% to 60%.   The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein adjacent graphic elements do not contact.   The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two adjacent graphical elements within one quadrant do not share a longitudinal centerline that is parallel to the longitudinal axis.   The absorptive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article is divided into quadrants by a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, and at least one graphical element is located in each quadrant. Goods.   The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which said absorptive core has a peripheral part divided into octets, and at least one graphic element is located in each octet. .   The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the graphic element overlaps the peripheral part of the absorbent core such that the peripheral line bisects one or more graphic elements.   The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which said graphic element has a width of 0.1 cm-12 cm.   The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the graphic element is printed on a side of the top sheet facing the garment.   The absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 5-8 in which the mark of a functional layer is located inside the said absorptive core periphery part.   The absorbent article according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the indicia of the functional layer is selected from the group consisting of graphical elements and structural identification.

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